Education

Uzodimma commissions FUTO’s Engineering Studio and ICT Hub

Published

1 year ago

October 24, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Sen. Hope Uzodimma

GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

…Lauds Shell, NNPCL and Joint Venture enture Partners.

Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma on Thursday commissioned the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Engineering Studio and ICT Hub, jointly constructed by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and their Joint Venture Partners – TotalEnergies and Agip Oil Company and the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board
( NCDMB).

In his remarks ahead of the formal inauguration of the facility, Uzodimma lauded the management of Shell, NNPCL, and their partners for their thoughtfulness on the project which he said, aligns perfectly with his administration’s digital transformation agenda.

The project is a furnished 100 – seater ICT facility equipped with computers, smart boards, and two 50 – seater practice workshops to strengthen learning.

Represented by his Commissioner for Digital Economy and E – Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Uzodimma said, “this landmark project, generously sponsored by NNPC, SPDC, Total Energies, and Agio JV’s Asaa North, Ohaji South Development, represents a significant milestone not only for Ohaji South but for the entire Imo State.”

Government Uzodimma remarked: “This initiative aligns perfectly with the digital transformation agenda of our administration. As we continue to build a robust digital infrastructure, fostering a thriving digital economy remains at the heart of our vision for Imo State. Our focus is clear: to empower our people with the digital skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly globalized and technologically advanced world.

“We are already making great strides through our flagship SkillUpImo Programme, which has successfully trained over 25,000 of our youths in cutting-edge digital technologies and entrepreneurial skills. Through this initiative, we have seen a surge in tech-driven startups and innovation within the state, firmly positioning Imo as a leading hub for digital talent in Nigeria.

“Our Imo Digital City Project is another cornerstone of this agenda, providing world-class digital infrastructure, smart technologies, and the environment needed for businesses and startups to flourish. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to not only attract investments but also equip our youth with the tools they need to be part of the global digital workforce.

“The Engineering Design Studio and Innovation Hub we are commissioning today plays a critical role in this vision. It will serve as a center for innovation, creativity, and practical engineering training, producing talents that will not only transform our local economy but also contribute to the global workforce. In an era where the Fourth Industrial Revolution is reshaping the global landscape, this facility will empower our people with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in fields such as engineering, robotics, and digital innovation.

“We deeply appreciate the efforts of our partners in NNPC, SPDC, Total Energies, and Agio JV, who have invested in the future of Imo State by supporting this critical project. Your commitment to human capacity building aligns perfectly with our goals, and together, we will continue to drive innovation, skills development, and sustainable economic growth for our people.

“As we open the doors to this hub of creativity and technology today, let us remember that the future of Imo lies in our collective ability to equip our people with the tools to succeed in the digital age. Together, we will continue to move our state forward, ensuring that no one is left behind as we march toward a brighter, digital future.”

Earlier in their speeches, the Managing Director of Shell, Dr. Osagie Okumbor and Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPCL, Bala M. Wunti (on behalf of their Joint Venture Partners), expressed joy collaborating to improve access to quality education for every Nigerian, particularly as it concerns advancing the course of digital learning badly needed in the 21st century.

“Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) was selected to benefit from institutional strengthening in the catchment areas of SPDC’s Asda North Ohaji South Gas Development Project… The journey to establish this facility was driven by a vision to enhance critical education infrastructure, support access to high-demand IT skills and inspire growth of the IT ecosystem in Imo State and South East Nigeria,” Dr. Okumbor maintained.

Wunti said: “We will consistently champion the implementation of sustainable community development projects that will positively impact the lives of the citizens of this country.” He added, “we believe that providing access to modern technology and resources is a crucial step towards bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.”

An elated Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof (Mrs.) Nnenna N. Oti, who remarked that the project “aligns with the critical mandate of the University,” noted that it was “so well built and equipped to international standard that I have fondly nicknamed it ‘FUTO Harvard Building’.”

Prof Oti thanked Governor Uzodimma for gracing the occasion and assured all the facilitators of the project, of the University’s preparedness to put it to optimum use in the expectation that doing so will encourage them to “gladly do more for us.”

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
October 24, 2024.

Education

Fed Poly Nekede, environ under siege, as masked gunmen attack 2 students

Published

1 week ago

November 27, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Fear grips community over alleged threat letter

There was pandemonium within the vicinity of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday when two students of the institution were allegedly ambushed and attacked on their way back from Owerri Municipality, where they had gone to buy an electricity generating set.

A source close to one of the victims who spoke to our reporter said the two friends were driving back to the school through the Amaeze Obibi-Ezena Road at about 7:30 p.m. on Monday when they saw some people flashing torchlights by the bush side. “They initially thought they were security men and kept driving, but the one on the passenger seat suddenly noticed that those they thought were security men had their faces covered,” the source said.

He continued: “He shouted and told his friend to reverse the car. But as soon as they reversed, the gunmen opened fire and riddled the car with bullets. Fortunately, they escaped unhurt.”

The frightening incident has further fueled reports circulating in the area alleging plans by suspected Fulani herdsmen to launch coordinated attacks on Nekede-where the Federal Polytechnic is located-and neighbouring communities.

Anxiety in the area has intensified due to unconfirmed reports that the gunmen had written a letter to community leaders, demanding a certain amount of money to prevent an imminent attack. It was also alleged that intelligence reports suggest that several armed groups who have infiltrated the area have concluded plans to strike within a specific time frame. These reports further claim that the suspected attackers have been receiving supplies, arms, and ammunition for some time and are being reinforced from outside.

Recall that there have been consistent reports of frightening security challenges in the region, caused by the nefarious activities of gunmen who for a very long time have kidnapped, raped, maimed, and even killed their victims around the FUTO, Ihiagwa, Obinze, Avu, and Oforola axis- all in Owerri West Local Government Area.

Education

Public Notice: Disclaimer On False School-closure Message In Circulation

Published

2 weeks ago

November 22, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The Federal Ministry of Education hereby informs the general public that a message currently circulating on social media platforms, alleging that schools nationwide have been directed to close from 24th November 2025, is false, misleading, and did not originate from the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education, any State Ministry of Education or any recognized security agency.

The public is strongly advised to rely strictly on verified information issued through the following official channels:

The Federal Government, The Federal Ministry of Education, State Governments and State Ministries of Education Recognised security agencies

Any announcement, advisory, or notice coming from unofficial or unverified sources should be ignored and not shared. Members of the public are urged to always verify the authenticity of information before circulating it in order to curb the spread of misinformation.

Education

FG orders closure of unity colleges over security concerns

Published

2 weeks ago

November 21, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Due to the resurgence in the abduction of students in schools in some parts of the country, the Federal Government on Friday ordered the closure of 41 unity colleges with immediate effect.

In a statement signed by the Director, Senior Secondary Education, Hajiya Binta Abdulkadir, on behalf of the Honourable Minister, said the closure is to prevent possible breach of security in the listed schools.

The principals of the affected schools were directed to comply without delay.

According to the circular, the affected schools are: FGGC Minjibir, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Zaria, FTC Kafanchan, FTC Dayi, FGC Daura, FGGC Tambuwal, FSC Sokoto, FTC Wurno, FGC Gusau, FGC Anka, FGGC Gwandu, and FGC Birnin Yauri.

Others are FTC Zuru, FGGC Kazaure, FGC Kiyawa, FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bida, FGC New-bussa, FTC Kuta-shiroro, FGA Suleja, FGC Ilorin, FGGC Omuaran, FTC Gwanara, FGGC Bakori, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Kabba, FTC Ogugu, FGGC Bwari, FGC Rubochi, FGGC Abaji, and FGGC Potiskum.

Also affected by the immediate closure order are: FGC Buni Yadi, FTC Gashua, FTC Michika, FGC Ganye, FGC Azare, FTC Misau, FGGC Bajoga, FGC Billiri and FTC Zambuk.

An analysis of the list showed that most of the schools affected were in the Northwest, Northeast and North Central.

Only few days ago, some students were abducted from their school in Kebbi and only on Friday scores of students were abducted from another school in Niger State.